Carolina Motorcycle Events - Common Oil Change Questions

Carolina Motorcycle Events - Tech Talk

Common Oil Change Questions

By Dennis Thurlow

Q: When I check my oil after a ride, why do I see foam or bubbles at the top of the oil tank? Is this normal?

A: Foaming or bubbles is a normal occurrence that results from the cycling through the system. It will dissipate once the engine has cooled and sits for a while. H-D 360 oil has additives that help minimize the amount of foaming that occurs.

Q: It is normal for the engine to burn some oil?

A: Yes, an engine will occasionally burn some oil when the oil gets past the piston rings and gets into the cylinder and burns during combustion.

Q: How often should I check my oil?

A: A rider should check his or her oil before every ride to prevent any problems that may have occurred after the last ride.

Q: Does the oil temperature at start-up change the amount of time it takes for the engine to warm up?

A: Technically, yes warm oil would take less time, but the difference is minimal.

Q: Will H-D 360 oil break down during winter storage if it sits there for months? Could condensation in the oil tank during the winter affect the oil?

A: Prior to storage, an oil change followed by running the engine up to operating temperature is best. Condensation does affect the parts exposed to it. Normally, however, storage over one winter will not have any adverse effects. When the engine is started again in the spring, the moisture will be dissipated when the oil temperature rises to operating temperature.

Q: How much harm could a few minutes of engine over heating do to my oil? Does it really have to be changed?

A: H-D 360 oil is designed for air-cooled engines. Oil temperature should normally be between 200 deg. F and 240 deg. F. It has been tested up to 300 deg. F for short periods. Temperatures above 240 deg. F will reduce the oil life. The hotter and the longer the engine runs, the shorter the oil life. For prolonged high temperature, an oil cooler should be considered.

Q: Can H-D 360 oil be used to fog my cylinder before winter storage?

A: Yes, but following the winter storage tip above should suffice.

Q: Can H-D 360 be used as a replacement to primary fluid or as a replacement to fork oil?

A: Use only the recommended lubricants. Oil additives, viscosities and film strengths are all designed for the specific oil environments.

NOTE: Do not start the engine periodically during the winter or for short runs because moisture and corrosion can occur.